EEG Gamma Coherence and Other Correlates of Subjective Reports During Ayahuasca Experiences
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs June 1, 2005 David E. Stuckey, Robert F. Lawson, Luís Eduardo Luna 43 citations
In two experienced ayahuasca users studied in a Brazilian jungle, EEG recordings showed increased global brain coherence in the 36-44 Hz and 50-64 Hz frequency bands during visual imagery compared to eyes-closed baselines. This widespread cortical hyper-coherence may relate to the intense synesthesia typical of ayahuasca experiences. Other findings included increased modal EEG alpha frequency and global power decreases across most frequency bands, consistent with prior psychedelic EEG literature. The exploratory case series suggests that analyzing single Hz bins rather than standard wide bands can be useful. The authors propose that increased global gamma coherence during peak psychedelic experiences may inform binding theory and invites comparison with advanced meditative states.